Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Brilliance audio
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: Off the shelf, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

Simple Description:
Wintergirls is the story of Lia.  Lia is a high school student who suffers from anorexia.  Her parents have already had her go through a treatment process twice.  If her weight drops down more she’ll have to go back.  She is weighed weekly and while it has dropped a bit, it’s not in the danger zone yet.  What they don’t know is that she’s sewed weights into her robe so she can still lose weight but keep the numbers up.
Lia’s best friend, Cassie, recently died.  Well, they weren’t friends when it happened but Cassie did reach out to her.  Cassie also suffered from an eating disorder.  Lia struggles with Cassie’s death while she’s also struggling with her own demons.

My Thoughts:
This book is one of the best of the year. I hate saying I loved it, when it’s about such a tough subject.  Yet, I loved it.  The author does such a fantastic job allowing us to get inside Lia’s head and understand what she is going through.  What drives her to lose weight and starve herself.  She does a great job portraying what is probably very normal reactions from parents who have a child suffering from an eating disorder.
Anorexia, eating disorders in general, is a very tough subject to read about, much less write about.  Yet it’s one that I feel we all need to be educated on so we can recognize the signs, recognize why people suffer from them, and how to best help.  While this book is not a non-fictional study, I feel Anderson does such a great job with it that I would recommend it to others.
I have to admit, after reading Speak and Wintergirls, both very tough subjects, I’m moved Laurie Halse Anderson to the favorite author’s list and I know I’ll be reading more by her.

Audio Review:
I felt the audio version of this book was pretty good.  It was easy to follow and kept my interest.  Jeannie Stith is the narrator and I feel she does a very good job with this one.  My only complaint is that throughout the recording there were long beeps, I have yet to figure out if they are supposed to be there or not. I found them rather annoying.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Copyright: 1999
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: young adult
Pages: 198
Challenges: Young Adult, I want more book challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

I'm going to deviate away from my normal review format for this book.  I don't actually want to give a short review of this one because I think it's best read not knowing exactly what's going on and I don't want to give away any spoilers.

I picked this book up because it's Banned Book Week.  Based on my recent trend of not managing a lot of reading time I had hoped to also finish this week but wasn't sure I would. Surprise Surprise..I plowed through it.

I knew this book had been challenged by a professor in Springfield, MO last year.  This guy's an idiot..and that's the nicest word I could come up with to describe him.  His reasoning behing wanting it banned is so off, it's laughable. Well, I would laugh if we weren't talking about banned books, something I'm very passionate about.

So to give you a brief, but non-spoiler, idea of what this book is about, let me introduce you to the main character.  Melinda is a freshman in highschool.  She had friends when she was in 8th grade but upon starting 9th grade she finds herself an outcast.  Everyone has turned their backs on her.  She doesn't speak, or at least it's very rare.   She keeps to herself.   She doesn't take care of her appearance.  She doesn't participate in school; often skipping it.  Melinda is severely depressed.  We don't know why.

Going in to this book I thought I remembered what was going on but didn't know for sure. I didn't bother looking up reviews or reading the back of the book. Because I already had an idea, I figured out what probably happened and I ended up being right.  However I liked not knowing for sure until the reader finds out from Melinda, which isn't in the beginning.   Not knowing for sure helped me focus on Melinda and pay attention to her signs.  Pay attention to what she was feeling and thinking and going through.   I can't say that I understand what Melinda was going through, I haven't experienced the same thing, but I've experienced some stuff in my life and suffered severe depression in High School.  So I really felt for Melinda and I just wanted to wrap her up in a bear hug and protect her.  Not sure Melinda would want that though.

I'm really glad I read this book for banned book week.  I felt the writing was excellent and very true to Highschool life.  Anderson wrote a fantastic novel and I highly recommend it.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Audio Books
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Challenges:  New Author, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Several beauty queens are enroute to the Team Dream beauty pageant when their plane crashes on what appears to be a desserted island.  After several days they are still not rescued and the girls know they have to do something to survive.  Armed only with what the could salvage from the plane (this includes evening gowns, hair straightners, hair pieces, etc) they set out to create shelter, weapons, and other things necessary to survive. 

The girls each find another contestant they can bond with and each girl begins to grow a bit through this process.  This get interesting when a pirate ship crashes just off the island.  Then things get even more interestig when the girls realize they aren't alone on this island.  Are these other inhabitants friend or foe?


My Thoughts:
I'm torn on this one.  I love the idea of the story, however, I alternated between laughing because it was funny and not paying attention because it was a bit stupid.  There were a lot of really good parts in this book. I loved that all the girls started to grow as people and not just beauty queens.  They started to think for themselves and become stronger.  I felt that was a great message.  However sometimes the things they did or said was just too far on the stupid scale that I was disapointed.   I think there could have been a happy medium.  There were also just a lot of lines and parts in this book that had me either smiling or actually laughing by myself in the car.  Those really made up for the stupid parts for me.  So I'm torn, do I recommend this book or not?   I think if you go into it just expecting a light read that could be entertaining and knowing there might be some parts that will annoy you, you'll like it.   There were so many lines I wanted to quote in my review, but listening to the audio version while driving didn't give me the chance to actually write it down.    So perhaps with this one you need to do a search and read other blogger reviews and then decide if it's worth trying it.


Audio Review:
When I first read a review for this book I did read that the author read it and did a good job.  However by the time I got a copy to listen to myself I had forgotten this.  So when I started the audio version and realize it was the author I was disapointed.  I shouldn't have been!  For once the author actually does an excellent job of narrating their own book!   Sometimes it was a bit annoying (there is a deaf girl and when she talks the author was practically yelling and I had to adjust the volume) but for the most part I came away pleasantly surprised.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

#1 Maze Runner
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: young adult
Pages: 374
Challenges: What's in a Name?, Young Adult, Buy 1 book and read it
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Thomas doesn't remember anything about his past.  He wakes up on a lift and when the doors open he's in a placed called The Glades with several other boys.  He has so many questions but nobody will answer them.  Where is this place? What is he doing here? Why can't he remember anything? 

The next day a girl shows up.  THe first girl ever.  Two kids in two days, that's never happened before.  People are worried, why are things changing?  What is it about Thomas that has caused these changes?

Thomas soon starts to get some answers and figure things out.  It appears that outside the walls it's a maze and for two years the Runners have been running in the maze every day in hopes of finding a way out.  They feel it's a test from the Creators, people who put them there.  The walls close every night so the Greivers can't get inside, they are horrible monsters that will kill you.  If you happen to be stung by one, you go through the change and you're never the same.   Unfortunatly for Thomas a couple of the kids who have gone through this change feel he's the cause to their recent problems and want him gone.  But Thomas might have the answers to help the kids save themselves and find a way home, wherever or whatever that is.


My Thoughts:
This book actually started out pretty slow for me.  The author had the kids use made up words in place of curse words.  This wouldn't have bothered me, hey, I curse a lot. Teenage boys curse a lot.  I just found the made-up words annoying and overly used.   I also found the beginnign slow because while the Glader's aren't giving Thomas any answers to what is going on, the reader doesn't get any info either. I suppose I just felt a bit confused and out of hte loop.

However, once I got a tad over 100 pages into the book it really started to pick up for me.  There was more action and that kept the book moving.  You also started to get some answers and figure out what was going on, and least to a point.

When I got very close to the end, I thought I was going to be a bit disapointed with the book. I wasn't happy with how it was ending.  However I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the turn of events.  

The copy I have also has "exclusive WICKED correspondence " at the very end and I really enjoyed that. I read this book with another co-worker and his copy didn't include this so I gave him mine to read.  We both agreed that those extra pages really help the story and made us more interested in the next book.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

#3 Darkest Power trilogy
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: YA
Pages: audio
Challenges: urban fantasy challenge,  Paranormal/Fantasy Romance, Young Adult, Audio Book
Author's Website 
My rating: 2/5

Simple Description:
This is the third and final book in the trilogy.  There are a group of kids who have special powers and they are on the run.  They are running from the company who gave them these powers and, as it turns out, now want to kill them.    They meet up with a man who they think is on their side and they get to the safe house.  Except as the kids stay longer they learn that maybe they aren't as safe as they think they are.

My Thoughts:
I didn't think this was the best book.  Here's the thing, I think that all three books could have been made into one.  I feel like this is one of those cases where the books were split into three in order to make more revenue. It felt like, even though a lot happened, enough didn't happen to make this a satisfying book.   I found myself listening to this and not really carrying about what happened.


Audio Review:  
The audio version is read by Cassandra Norris.  While I think she did well, for the most part, there are some issues I had with it. I believe I voiced these opinions with the last review too.  I realize these are teenagers but Norris put in too much sarcasm in her voice.  To the point that I found it annoying.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Listening Library

Genre: young adult
Pages: audio (5 disks)
Challenges: New author challenge, Young Adult, audio
Author's Website 
My rating: 5/5


Simple Description: 
Mixing it up a bit, instead of giving my own description I'm just going to paste the synopsis from the book's website:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.




 My Thoughts: 
I absolutely loved this book.  From the very beginning you are sucked into the story of Hannah and why she committed suicide.  You are sucked in wanting to know how Clay fits in, because you can tell that he seems to be a decent guy.  This is a very different take on suicide and I think it's a very interesting one.


While at times it was hard to listen to this one because, hey, it might have been awhile ago but I was once a teenager in highschool and I did suffer from depression. I would be lying if I said I never thought about suicide.  I also had a friend commit suicide the year after I graduated highschool.  So listening to a story like this sometimes hits a little close to home. Sure, the reasons were different, but the topic itself is just a bit hard.


I think it was interesting to see how all the actions combined led up to Hannah taking the route she did.  One incident by itself wasn't enough and most would just pass off, but all of them, yeah, it gets to a person.  So the story being told like it is and showing all that makes it more powerful.

I personally would love to see this book read in English classes because I think teenagers could benefit from it. I think it would be an eye-opener for them and show them that actions have consequences  It might seem like what you do/did/plan to do is harmless but chances are it's not.  In my opinion, this is a very powerful book.


Audio Review: 
The audio version of this book was narrated by Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone.  They did a fantastic job.  This is, by far, one of the best audio books I've listened to.  Since the book deals with tapes, Debra narrates the tapes since she's speaking Hannah's part.  Joel does the rest of the book since it's told from Clay's point of view.  Everything flows smoothly and I think having the two readers was a very smart move.  I don't think it would have worked as well had there been just one narrator.   This was one audio book that I didn't want to stop listening to. 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

#3 Catching Fire
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: young adult
Pages: 398
Challenges: off the shelf, Strong Heroine, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5


I'm actually not going to do a description of this book.  If you have not read the book yet then you don't need a spoiler in case you plan to.  I thought this book started out great but I ended up not being too fond of it at the end.   I'm actually a bit disappointed with the ending which means I'm not happy with how the trilogy ended.   I have to say that I'm still very glad I read this trilogy. I loved book one, it's my favorite of the trilogy.  Book two was very good.  This one..a disappointment.   Would I still recommend this trilogy to someone who hasn't started it yet? Yes..I do think it's worth it.  Just don't keep your hopes up for the final book.

Hunted by P.C. and Kristin cast

#5 House of Night
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Macmillian Young Listeners
Genre: young adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 2.5

Simple Description: 
Book #5 starts where book #4 stopped.  Zoey and group are now hiding out in the tunnels trying to figure out where to go from here.

Ok, so that description sucks.  Here's the thing, I don't want to give anything away. I don't want to include any spoilers.  You really can't start the series with this one, you would be confused.  So just know this is #5 and you need to start this series at the beginning with #1.

My Thoughts:
This is actually my least favorite of the series so far.  It just kinda felt like nothing was really happening..even though I know it was.  Perhaps it was just taking too long to get to the point of it all.  Plus there were several times when I wanted to shake Zoey.

Don't let this review keep you from trying out the series. I've been really happy with it up to this point.  I think ever series has a book that is a "least favorite" and my guess is that this is the one for me.  At least, I sure hope it is. I have high hopes that #6 will be as good as the others have been.  I still liked the story, think it was important to the series, just not a favorite.  I'll definitely be continuing with this series too.


Audio Review:
Jenna Lamia is the narrator for this one, she's been the narrator for several of these.  She does an excellent job and I'm still planning to continue with this series via audio.

Gone by Lisa McMann

#3 Wake trilogy
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Brilliance audio
Genre: young adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: young adult, audio book
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
This is the final book in the Wake Trilogy.  In this one we are really getting a wrap-up for Janie.  Her and Cabe have graduated from High School and she needs to decide what to do about her gift.  Does she still help out the police and user her gift even though she knows the physical risks.  Or does she decide not to do this anymore and save her sight and her hands, etc.

Things get even more confusing for Janie when she finds out who her father is.  He ends up in the hospital in a coma. Even though Janie can't talk to him she finds his home and learns that her ability is hereditary.  She also learns what the complications are if she decides to isolate herself and never use her gift.

What will she decide?  What will happen to her father?  What will happen between her and Cabe?


My Thoughts:
I thought this one was good but didn't like it as much as the others.  I think I wanted Janie and Cabe to be involved in another investigation and have more of a mystery aspect to it.  So I was a bit disappointed in that.  However, I think it was a great ending to the trilogy because it does tie up some loose ends and comes to a conclusion in a way.  If there had been a mystery in it I'm not sure the trilogy would have wrapped up as nicely.

All-in-all I think it's a good trilogy and think others will enjoy it.  A word of warning:  There is some cursing in the story (all three actually) and there is a physical relationship between Cabe and Janie.  While I don't have kids yet I feel this is not something that would keep me from letting my kids read this. I know these can be a concern for some though, so you've been notified.

Audio Review: 
Ellen Grafton was the narrator for this audio version.  She has actually narrated all three of the books in this trilogy and I think she did an excellent job.  She included just enough emotion and changed her voice for the different characters to make it a great experience.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

#1 Wicked Lovely

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Harper Collins 

Genre: young adult

Pages: 328

Challenges: young adult, 1st in a series, New Author, Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy Romance, Buy 1 book and read it

Author's Website 

My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description: 

Aislinn has always been able to see the Fae.  From when she was very young her Grandmother, who raised her, taught her how to act like she didn't see them. It would be dangerous for them if the Fae knew that. 

Normally the Fae don't bother Aislinn and she's able to stay away from them.  Until now that is.  Keenan, the Summer King, has noticed Aislinn and he feels she is the one.  She is the one that can be his queen.  He must convince her that she loves him and to pick up the winter staff in order for this to happen.  He needs his queen in order to gain his full power and save the summer fae from the winter queen, his Mom.

Unfortunately for Keenan, Aislinn is different from all the girls.  She knows what he truly is and she wants nothing to do with him. Keenan gets frantic though because all signs show that Aislinn is the one. He must convince her. 

My Thoughts: 

We all know that I love books with a paranormal aspect to it. I love books with vampires and witches and ghosts.  However I was skeptical I would like a book that is about the Fae, faeries.  I'm not sure why, but I didn't think I would like it.  Color me happy..I loved this one!  I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it and how fast I was captivated by the story.  I like Aislinn and I wanted to know what was going to happen.   I admit that it took me a bit to get into it, think I just had to get used to the whole Fae thing.  Once that happened though, I couldn't put the book down.

That's not to say I didn't have some issues with it.  Sometimes the writing was off and it just didn't make sense. I would have to re-read sentences to figure out what was being said and what was going on.  I also don't like it when the point of view of the narrator changes within the same chapter.  This happened a lot.  the story would be told from, say Aislinn's point of view and then in the next paragraph it would be from Keenan's point of view. I just don't like this and never think it flows well.  

If you can get past those though and you enjoy fantasy stories, I definitely recommend this one. 

Eon by Alison Goodman

#1
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Firebird
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: young adult, 1st in a series, audio
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5


Simple Description:
This is an Asian fantasy novel. It doesn't ever say when it takes place but it seems like it was awhile ago, such as the 17th century or something along those lines.   It starts off with some boys trying to learn the proper moves in order to compete to become the next Rat Dragon dragoneye.  The dragoneye is able to communicate with the dragon and help their country.  

Eon is the least likely candidate.  Eon is really a girl posing as a boy and she's lame.  However she has a lot of stress because she is the last hope for her master.

When the time comes Eon is not chosen by the Rat Dragon however she is chosen by the Mirror Dragon. The Mirror Dragon is believe to have been lost centuries ago.  Soon Eon is made a Lord and also asked by the Emperor to support him. There is trouble brewing and the Emperor needs the support of a powerful dragon eye.


My Thoughts:
Honestly, I didn't really like this book.  The main reason I listened to it and continued with it is because I was sent the 2nd in the series and I was determined to finish this one so I could attempt that one and know what was going on.   I should say that the copy of the 2nd one that was sent to me was a surprise, I wasn't expecting it.  Not sure I would have picked this one because it's exactly my cup of tea.

However, that's not really why I didn't like it.  One of the main issues I had with it is that I did not like Eon. I felt she was whiny immature.  I could not connect with her.   Another thing that bothered me was that the book reads like it took place centuries ago, yet there were common phrases in it. Phrases that I felt were really out of place for the time frame of the novel.  To me, they stuck out like a sore thumb.

Even though I didn't really like this one I do plan to give the 2nd one in the series a try.  If I don't like it any better I will DNF it, even though I don't like doing that.

Audio Review: 
I did listen to the audio version of this novel.  Nancy Wu is the narrator and over-all I think she did a pretty good idea.  She changed her voice to show emotion and to separate the characters.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

#2 Hunger Games
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 391
Challenges: Off the shelf, Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5


I'm not going to do a normal review for this book because a lot of you have already read the book or if you plan to you do want to be spoiled.  In fact, I'm not going to give any details about the book at all!  No spoilers to be found here.

I noticed a co-worker reading The Hunger Games earlier this month and commented on it.  So of course we started talking about it and the movie.  Of course I then couldn't resist the urge to finally read the 2nd in the series.   I actually started this one on Friday afternoon and finished it Sunday afternoon.  Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.  In fact, I finished my bookshelves and was all set to unpack all my books and organize them and instead I read this book.

I thought it was a good follow-up to the first one.  I still love Katniss. My husband said he felt this was the best and worst in the series.  The best because he thought the writing was good but the worst because he thought the author just pulled from the first book instead of coming up with a different story..I guess he felt she was cheating a bit.  I didn't feel that way at all. I don't know if I thought this one was the best, but I loved it. I was engrossed from page one.

Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

#4 House of Night
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Challenges:  Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Audio Book
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description: 
In the fourth installment of the House of Night series, we have Zoey being all by herself. No boyfriend..heck..no friends.  Due to her actions, right or wrong, she has become alienated.  The only person still speaking to her is Aphrodite.  When Aphrodite has a vision where she see's two different ways that Zoey dies, she knows it's time to tell friends some of the secrets she's kept from them.  She needs her friends by her side.

Something evil is in the night.  Some weird Raven's.  When Aphrodite has another vision and writes down what she thinks is a poem, they learn that it's really a Cherokee legend and Zoey calls on her Grandma for help.   Soon they learn that it's not legend, it's true.  Neferate is up to something evil and more than just vampyres are in danger.


My Thoughts:
While I thought this was a good installment to the series, I didn't find myself enjoying it as much as I have the other three.  I don't know if it's because I've listened to all of them and with this one the narrator is different and threw me off, or if it was something else.   I found the bickering between Aphrodite and Zoey's other friends getting on my nerves. I get it, they are different, but Aphrodite is changing and I just think the bickering needs to stop.  

The story itself is good, even though it doesn't end with everything wrapped up and tied nicely with a ribbon.  I know it's just leading us in to book 5 though.    I do think this is a good YA urban fantasy series and even though I didn't like this one as much as the others, I still liked it and plan to continue with the series.

Audio Review:
As mentioned, I did listen to this book.  The narrator for book four is Jenna Lamia.  I think she does a good job, I just wish they hadn't changed narrators in the middle of the series.  Sometimes I felt her tone was too sarcastic or too, well, something. But at the same time, it is a YA book and it is how teenagers talk. Whether it was my age showing or not, I don't know.   I did see that Jenna is the narrator for book 5 and I'll continue with audio for this series.

I thought the narrator's name was familiar so I did a search on my blog and found that she's also the narrator of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.  I remember loving that audio version.

Fade by Lisa McMann

#2 Wake trilogy
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Simon Pulse/Brilliance Audio
Genre: young adult
Pages: audio 4 disks
Challenges: young adult, audio book,
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5


Simple Description:
This is the follow-up story to Wake, where we first meat Janie and Cabe.  In this story Janie is now working for the police department along with Cabe. The newest case is one involving teachers sexually assaulting students at their high school.  Janie wants to help with this one but Cabe has some issues because he doesn't want her to be hurt.  This causes some strain in their relationship, at times they are closer, other times they seem further apart.

Along with trying to figure out which teachers are praying on students, and catching them, Janie is also dealing with knowing what to expect with her gift and how to control it.

 My Thoughts: 
I thought this was a great book.  I don't normally read series books so close together so I was a bit worried how well I would like this one since I just finished Wake last week. (side note..the reason I listened to them so close together is that I finally decided to play around with the option the library has of being able to download books and put them directly onto an mp3 player, burn cd's, or just listen to on your own pc.  I decided to test it with this one because all the other titles I looked up either weren't available for this option or I would have had to wait..and who likes waiting. lol).

Anyway...back to me being worried that it would be an issues listening to the two books so close together. It wasn't an issue at all.  In fact, the books are so small that it could have easily just been one big book.   This one picks up almost right where the other one ends.  It was great to see Janie and Cabe become closer and work through some issues in their relationship.  I also liked seeing them work together to solve the mystery.

After reading book 2 in the trilogy I definitely think it's a fun series and recommend it to others.  I imagine you'll see a review for book 3 in the near future.

(another side note - I tested listening to the audio book while running. In the past I haven't wanted to do this because when I run I tend to tune out music a lot as I'm mentally checking how I feel, my form, etc.  I'm happy to report that I've listened to audio books on 3 recent runs and all went well. I payed attention to the book and was never lost. So happy I've found a new way to "read", it will surely come in handy when I start training for my 1/2 marathon.)

Audio Review:
Ellen Grafton is the narrator for Fad, she also did Wake.  She did another fantastic job with this book and I have my fingers crossed she'll be the narrator for the 3rd book in the trilogy too.

Wake by Lisa McMann

#1 Wake Series
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio  4disks
Challenges: New Author challenge, 1st in a series, Young Adult,  Audio
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
Janie is a 17 year old highschool student.  You might think she's a normal teen, except for a couple of things.  She lives on the "wrong" side of the tracks, her mother's an alcoholic, and, oh yeah, she is somehow sucked into other people's dreams.    It's been like this for a long time and in the past she's been able to deal with it but it's happening more often and she's witnessing some nightmares.

Janie believes she needs to find a way to pull out of the dreams and deal with this ability, before more people notice.  As it is, one guy has already noticed. Cabe lives close to Janie and he soon realizes something is different about her.  They are attracted to each other but it's unclear if Janie's ability will cause issues between them.  Especially when she is sucked into one of his nightmares.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a really fun and good story.  I was interested to see what would happen between Janie and Cabe.  I felt frustrated sometimes because I wanted Janie to see that things weren't what she thought, but I guess that's part of the story.  She is a highschool student after all and new to relationships, so she's not going to see everything that we would, as the reader (or possibly as being older and much, much wiser. haha).

I thought the whole idea of her being sucked into the dreams is rather interesting.  I liked how the story left off, but won't say more because I don't want to ruin it if you plan to read it.

I'll definitely continue with this series, so far there are 3 books.  In fact, I was playing around with downloading audio books from the library and tested it with the 2nd in this series, so I'm already listening to it.  

Audio Review: 
Ellen Grafton is the narrator for this book and I think she does an excellent job.  I think she gets Janie's tone correct and also changes her voice a bit for the different characters.  I enjoyed listening to this one on audio and will continue with the series this way since I don't actually own the books.

Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

#3 House of Night
Copyright: 3
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio 7 disks/8 hours 32 min
Challenges: Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Audio
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Zoey has a lot of things going on in this book.  Not only is Zoey still torn between dating Eric and/or Heath, we now have a sexy male teacher who is making the moves.  How is Zoey supposed to pick between the three of them?  Is her attraction for Heath only because they have imprinted or is it something else?

Zoey is also still dealing with what to do with Stevie-Ray.  She really wants to tell her friends about what's going on but she knows that the High Priestess would be able to tell if they knew and she knows that currently the High Priestess can't know what is going on.  An unlikely allie helps Zoey.

As if this wasn't bad enough, Zoey discovers a teacher who has been murdered. A quote is pinned to the teacher's clothes and the belief is that this was done by humans.  Will this start a war between the humans and the vampires?

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:
I have really been enjoying this series.  This is the 3rd book in the series but in "real" time only a couple months have passed since Zoey was marked.  It seems like her life is just destined to be full of drama.  Everything is just so different for her and she has so many tough decisions to make, and she doesn't always make the right one.

I could tell that the sexy teacher was going to be bad news and wanted her to see that too.  Unfortunately, she didn't.  I chalk that up to her young age and lack of experience though.

I can't say I agree with everything Zoey did in this one, but I think this one does qualify for the strong heroine challenge because she is strong.  In the end she knew she did wrong but she still had to make some tough decisions and she did so.  She realizes that she has suffer sometimes in order to do the right thing.  And sometimes she'll suffer when she makes the wrong choice.

Matched by Ally Condie

#1 Matched
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 384
Challenges: New Author Challenge, Young Adult
Book Website
My rating:  3/5

Simple Description:
I actually think the book trailer is decent for this one so I'm going to share it because it does explain the book a bit.



From the video, you get an idea of how the world works according to the Society.  The thing is, when Cassie is matched she was given a data card for her match.  The next day when she views it, the data card shows who she was matched to but then changes and shows another boy she knows.  She becomes interested  in this other boy. Even though she has known him, she learns a bit more about him and that sparks her interest.

She knows she shouldn't be hanging out with him but she does anyway.  She soon starts to realize that the officials and the society aren't always right and don't always know what is best.  She starts to break some rules, but just a little bit.

Soon she must decide what she is going to do.  Will she risk all for the guy she wasn't matched with but is now in love with?  Or will she continue with life the way it was before she really got to know him?

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts: 
My husband had actually pointed this book out to me and jokingly said "You should get a review copy of this book so I can read it."  I thought it was be a cool surprise if I really could get a review copy for him and went hunting. I'm happy to report that I was able to get one sent to me and surprised him with it.

Unfortunately, I don't think he liked it as much as he had wanted to.  Here's his reply when I emailed him and asked him for his thoughts:
It was okay.  The lady is a pretty good writer but I'm not sure if it was worth it after it was all said and done.  It was like you enjoy reading it and then at the end you say 'What was the point?'  the main character seemed like one of those people who you invite to a party and complains the whole time about wishing to be somewhere else and then you ask her what she would want to change and she can't think of anything and she just won't leave.  So maybe next time they won't invite her and we can all have a better time.


I think you have to take his review with a grain of salt though, since he started reading last year he's only really enjoyed one book.


As far as my thoughts on the book.   I actually thought the writing was ok but could have been better. So we differ in opinion there.  I can see where he was coming from when he says that the feeling after finishing the book is "wtf?".  However, I did enjoy it.  I thought the story moved along well.  I was interested in what was going on and what kind of decisions Cassia would make.  I could also understand why she was a bit wishy-washy and hesitant on making a real decision. If all you knew was the Society as she knows it, I think you would be the same way.  


The book is definitely left without finishing the story, but I was kind of expecting that. I assumed that it wouldn't be wrapped up in one book and would be left open for at least one more.  Which, according to the website the next should be released this fall.   


Husband and I actually discussed this book the other day and I mentioned that it was left without a definite end because there was going to be at least one more in the series.  He thinks it could have been wrapped up in one book, and a smaller one at that. I agree with him, I think the story would have been excellent if it had moved a bit faster and was combined in one book. I can see why the author didn't do that though. Perhaps drawing it out longer means the sequel will start off with a bang and there won't be as much background info (explaining how the Society works, etc).  I guess only time will tell.  I, for one, look forward to the next in the series.  As for Husband, my guess is that he would read it just to see what happens. 





Thanks to Dutton for providing this book for review.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Copyright: 2006
Publisher: Speak (Penguin)
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 215
Challenges: I want more, Young Adult, Off the shelf
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5


Simple Description:
Colin is a child prodigy, not to be confused with genius.  He's getting ready to head off to college but before that happens he ends up taking a road trip with his friend Hassan.  The road trip comes about as a way for Hassan to take Colin's mind off of being dumped, for the 19th time, by a girl named Katherine. See, Colin likes the name Katherine and seems to be attracted to it, and to only date women with that name.  Yet, they always dump him.

Colin and Hassan end up in Gutshot, TN.  Here they meet Lindsey, a girl their age, and end up staying with her and her Mom in a pink mansion for several weeks.  During these weeks Colin works on creating a theorem that would show  how long a relationship will last and who will be the dumpee, all based on the 19 Katherines.

This road trip ends up being a break through for Colin and Hassan, and even Lindsey.  Colin does things he would have never done otherwise and he learns more about himself.  In fact Lindsey and Hassan work through some things too.

Here's a quote that I really liked and I hope you will too:

"On the drive, no one talked.  There was too much to discuss."  pg. 183 

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:
This is the 2nd book I've read by John Green and I have to say I really enjoyed this one too.  The author's writing style works very well for this book and the story flows and keeps your interest.  You can't help getting attached to the three kids either.  Colin and Hassan might get on each others nerves sometimes but you know deep down they really care for each other.  Lindsey is fun and you can see how she helps Colin evolve and grow while at the same time coming to terms with some person issues too.

I definitely recommend this book, I think adults and kids alike will enjoy this one.  Seeing as how I've enjoyed both books I've read by this author, I think it's safe to say I'll be reading more in the future.

2011 YA Reading Challenge

I've participated in the YA reading challenge for several years now. This year it's being hosted by Jamie at For the Love of YA.  

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.  Create a post about the challenge and link your challenge post up in the linky below.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. 

2. There are four levels:

--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels. 

--The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.

--The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.

--The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.

3. Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count. 

4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

5. The Challenge starts on January 1, 2011 and goes until December 31, 2011.






I'm going to plan on reading at least 20 YA books in 2011, so I'm signing up for the Fun Size level.  I hadn't planned on making a list, however, there are a lot of YA's I plan to read next year so I'm going to list those.  In fact, I was planning to only read 15 for this challenge but upon looking over the books I'm already planning to read for other challenges, I realized I had over 15 YA's on the list already.

1. Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

2. Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

3. Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

4. Hunted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

6. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

7. The Naming by Alison Croggon

8. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Mar

9. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

10. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

11. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

12. Tenth Grade Bleeds by Heather Brewer

13. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

14. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

15. The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen

16. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech